Highlights from past year: Selected as a 2012 model continuation high school by the California Department of Education

Members of the graduating class at Apollo High School in Simi Valley paid tribute to the care and support they received from teachers and staff members as they celebrated commencement Thursday night.

As the seniors gathered before the ceremony in the quad at the continuation school, they spoke of the difference Apollo made in their lives.

"The teachers actually care. They put in overtime to help the kids graduate," said Jeffrey Barcenas, 18, who's going to Universal Technical Institute in Rancho Cucamonga to study to be a diesel mechanic.

Teachers also got praise from Angela Rodriguez, 18, who plans to enroll in a program in medical insurance billing and coding at Everest College.

"They'll give you as many chances as you need to graduate," she said. "They won't just give up on you."

Melyssa Daniels, 17, said there's a close atmosphere at the school.

"I never thought I'd do it," she said. "I didn't like school at all, and then I came to Apollo, and everybody's like family here."

She plans to go to Moorpark College to teach preschool.

Christina Marley, 19, spent 2½ years at the continuation school.

"The teachers are really helpful, more helpful than at other schools," she said. "They seem so much more caring, so that's helped me."

Marley said she plans to attend Oxnard College and enroll in its culinary arts program.

Her father, Steve Marley, said he was delighted to see his daughter graduate.

"This has been an amazing program, and it's done wonders for all these kids who are graduating," he said. "What this school offers to kids today is more of the one-on-one, and some of the other schools, it's more difficult to do that."

Daniel Hurtado fulfilled his high school requirements five months ago but returned so he could walk at the commencement with his classmates.

"I just wanted to come back because I really, really like the school and I wanted to be part of the ceremony," said Hurtado, 18. "I think the staff are so helpful and they make this place welcoming. They really helped me get through, and I really appreciate the school for that."

Suzanne Burmester said she was proud to see daughter, Michelle, receive a diploma.

"She's come so far," Burmester said. "She just really took off, and she just can't wait to go to college. The people here are so caring, and she just really turned around here. The school just motivated her."

"My dad used to be the principal here," she said. "He passed away, but I wish he could see her graduate."